The Forget-Me-Not Summer

This charming story about three California sisters spending the summer on Cape Cod is perfect for fans of The Penderwicks—as a starred ALA Booklist review raved—and The Mother-Daughter Book Club.

Though Marigold, Zinnia, and Lily Silver couldn’t be more different, they’re all excited about summer vacation. Twelve-year-old Marigold is hoping to get her first kiss from her big crush, while Zinnia, eleven, will most likely spend her time in Marigold’s shadow. And five-year-old Lily, though angelic, has a knack for stirring up mischief wherever she goes.

But all of their plans come crashing down when the sisters’ parents send them to Cape Cod to visit their Aunt Sunny. Small-town life is not what these LA girls had in mind. They must adjust, however, to things like sharing a room and living without a TV. With the help of Aunt Sunny’s cheery disposition and her yummy brownies, though, the girls are quickly won over, and before Marigold, Zinnie, and Lily know it, they’re cracking lobster shells at clambakes, making new friends, and even organizing a local talent show.

Full of moments both humorous and reflective, The Forget-Me-Not Summer is a story about three girls facing their fears, adjusting to change, and learning how to band together as the strongest version of themselves: sisters. Be sure to catch the sequel, The Brightest Stars of Summer, for more fun on Cape Cod!

Sisters Marigold, Zinnia, and Lily Silver can't wait for summer even though it's warm all year in L.A. Twelve-year-old Marigold, an aspiring actress, has boys on the brain and is hoping to become more than friends with her crush. Zinnia, eleven, having failed at trying to tame her unruly curls, has plenty of time on her hands during summer vacation and will most likely spend it in Marigold's shadow. Five-year-old Lily, whom everyone adores, is content to play with her beloved nanny all day.

But when their parents announce they're sending these California girls to their aunt Sunny's house on Cape Cod for several weeks, it's a complete disaster. They're forced to adjust to a much simpler way of life—no TV, no Wi-Fi, and, worst of all, sharing a room. Could their summer get any more awful?

While at first reluctant, Marigold, Zinnia, and Lily are charmed by their warmhearted and quirky aunt Sunny, whose cheery attitude is contagious. Resolving to make the most of their situation, the sisters decide to spice up this quiet town by organizing a local talent show. As they start to make friends—like Peter, the Red Sox–loving sailor boy with an eye for Marigold—and see the magic of the Cape, the summer becomes one of firsts, fun, and plenty of sun . . . all while they learn how to band together as the strongest version of themselves they can be: sisters.

“Well-told with engaging characters.” - Kirkus Reviews

“The real-life dynamics between the sisters [are] humorous and touching. This heartwarming story is hard to put down. - School Library Journal

“Howland gives more nuance than is often seen in middle-grade fiction. Reminiscent of the Penderwicks series. Readers will be drawn in, and once inside, they will find a book that might well become a favorite.” - Booklist (starred review)

“Perfect for middle grades and a clean read for all ages, this summer-vacation novel is a breath of realistic fresh air and a welcome addition to any school or public library.” - 5Q, 4P review, Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“This entertaining tale of three California sisters roughing it with their Aunt Sunny in Cape Cod has humor, romance, a little drama and a worthwhile life lesson along with an engaging portrait of sibling ties.” - Buffalo News

“THE FORGET-ME-NOT SUMMER brims with hilarity and sisterly hijinks.” - Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author